1 IN, 1 OUT: BARCELONA’S SUMMER PLANS FOR ON-LOAN DEFENSIVE PAIR

Former Manchester City man García has proven an absolutely integral contributor to the remarkable season being enjoyed by high-flying Girona, with Morrocan international Riad, at just 20, having carved out a starting role for himself with Betis, too.

So, what does the immediate future entail for the pair?

As alluded to above, an insight into as much has today been provided by Sport.

In the case of García, Barcelona boss Xavi views him as “a guarantee and an example for the locker room”.

For this reason, despite something of an ‘overbooking’ at the heart of his defence, Xavi is ready to ask the 23-year-old to stay put next season, to fight for his place in Catalunya’s capital.

The situation of Riad, on the other hand, is altogether more complicated.

Real Betis, for their part, boast a cut-price buy option on the youngster, set at €3 million, which they are widely expected to activate.

Barca, though, maintain an immediate buyback option, too, which the Blaugrana, it is claimed, have every intention of making use of.

Xavi, again, is said to be a keen admirer of Riad’s talents, with the stopper himself eager to prove himself in Blaugrana colours in pre-season.

The most likely scenario, however, is that he will be included in a further operation, potentially as part of an exchange deal.